Ceiling system

ABSTRACT

A ceiling system includes a supporting structure having a plurality of main runners made of an electrically conductive material. The main runners are arranged such that a first space is formed between at least one main runner and a first adjacent main runner and a second space is formed between the at least one main runner and a second adjacent main runner. An electric device is supported by the main runners and is arranged in the first or second space. A power source is arranged to apply an electric voltage between the main runners. The electric device includes connectors that are in electric contact with the main runners such that the electric device is powered by the applied electric voltage.

FILED OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a ceiling system comprising asupporting structure comprising a plurality of main runners made of anelectrically conductive material and an electric device supported by themain runners.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A suspended ceiling system in a room or in another accommodation mayserve a variety of purposes. One purpose of having a suspended ceilingsystem may be to conceal an underside of a space, such as another room,which is located above the room. Another purpose may be to provideimproved noise absorption and/or noise attenuation in and outside of theroom. The resulting plenum space located between the suspended ceilingand a main ceiling of the room may further be utilized to accommodatee.g. wiring, piping, as well as devices related to heating, ventilationand air condition.

Typically, the suspended ceiling consists of a plurality of ceilingtiles which are fitted into a supporting grid of profiles which ismounted in the main ceiling. The grid of profiles typically comprisesmain runners and cross runners connected thereto at right angles. Theceiling tiles are consequently typically supported by the main runnersand cross runners connected thereto.

In order to furnish other objects than just pure ceiling tiles insuspended ceilings the ceiling tiles generally has to be modified so asto hold and carry the other objects concerned. This is a time consumingprocess prone to errors and undesired irregularities.

Further, if power consuming objects, such as lights, are to beintroduced in a suspending ceiling, significant work labour willadditionally have to be spent on preparing and connecting suitablewirings for the objects concerned.

In order to furnish power consuming objects in suspended ceilings it isfor instance known form US 2006/0272256 to provide runners of asupporting grid with electrical wirings or rails running along some ofthe runners. This in order to allow for attachment of power consumingobjects to the runners having the electrical wirings or rails. Thisapproach requires significantly more complicated and expensive runnerswhich also are more complicated to install as compared to regularsuspended ceilings.

WO 2015/172075 A1 describes a lighting system for use with a gridceiling. The described lighting system is a modular system which isattached directly under grid profiles of the grid ceiling by means ofattachment members. The lighting system includes lighting modules andconnection modules. Power is typically fed by external conductive wiresto connection modules to which the lighting modules are connected inturn. Further, power is fed from one module to another by means ofconnective pathways arranged in the modules. The described system lacksflexibility in that the lighting modules must be attached directly undera grid profile and not in any location. Moreover, the installation ofthe lighting system is time consuming and prone to installation errorssince the lighting modules and connection modules must be properlyconnected to each other. Also, power supplying wires will have to beinstalled which is time consuming and generally complicated.

Another approach when it comes to introducing power consuming objects toa suspended ceiling is to provide dedicated spaces for the powerconsuming objects between dedicated current carrying rails arranged inthe suspended ceiling. This approach is however time consuming,expensive and does also significantly hamper the flexibility when itcomes to positioning the power consuming objects in the suspendedceiling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above, the object of the present invention is to providean improved ceiling system.

A further object is to provide such a ceiling system which is less timeconsuming to install and which is less prone to installation errors,even though comprising an electric device or a plurality of electricdevices.

It is also an object to provide a more versatile ceiling system allowinga greater flexibility when it comes to providing and positioningelectric devices in the ceiling.

It is also an object to provide a cost effective ceiling systemrequiring no or very little excess material.

To achieve at least one of the above objects and also other objects thatwill be evident from the following description, a ceiling system havingthe features defined in claim 1, is provided according to the presentinvention. Preferred embodiments will be evident from the dependentclaims.

More specifically, there is provided according to the present inventiona ceiling system comprising; a supporting structure comprising aplurality of main runners made of an electrically conductive materialand extending side by side, wherein at least one of the plurality ofmain runners has a first adjacent main runner arranged on a first sideand a second adjacent main runner arranged on a second side such that afirst space is formed between the at least one main runner and the firstadjacent main runner and a second space is formed between the at leastone main runner and the second adjacent main runner, an electric devicesupported by said at least one main runner and the first or secondadjacent main runner, and arranged in the first or second space formedthere between; and a power source arranged to apply an electric voltagebetween the at least one main runner and the first and second adjacentmain runner, respectively, and wherein the electric device comprisingconnectors being in electric contact with said at least one main runnerand the associated first or second adjacent main runner such that theelectric device is powered by the applied electric voltage.

Hereby an improved ceiling system is provided.

The ceiling system comprises a supporting structure comprising aplurality of main runners made of an electrically conductive materialwhich are extending side by side. At least one of the plurality of mainrunners has a first adjacent main runner arranged on a first side and asecond adjacent main runner arranged on a second side. Hence, at leastone of the plurality of main runners is at least partially surrounded byadjacent main runners on each side. In this way a first space is formedbetween the at least one main runner and the first adjacent main runnerand a second space is formed between the at least one main runner andthe second adjacent main runner.

The main runners may be attached directly to a structural ceiling or maybe suspended below at a distance from the structural ceiling as is knownin the art. Some runners may be attached to a wall or another verticalobject, e.g. when the suspended ceiling connects to a wall or a column.Those runners may also be referred to as edge profiles or edge runners.

The ceiling system further comprises an electric device supported by theat least one main runner and the first or second adjacent main runner,and arranged in the first or second space formed there between.

It should be noted that within the context of this application the term“electric device” may be any type of element which may be powered orpartially powered by electrical energy supplied in form of an electricalcurrent in any suitable form.

The electric device may be directly or indirectly supported by the atleast one main runner and the first or second adjacent main runner. Thismeans in practice that the electrical device may be in physical contactwith the at least one main runner and the first or second adjacent mainrunner or may be supported by another or a plurality of other objectsbeing supported by the at least one main runner and the first or secondadjacent main runner.

The ceiling system further comprises a power source arranged to apply anelectric voltage between the at least one main runner and the first andsecond adjacent main runner, respectively. By this arrangement apotential difference is applied between the at least one main runner andthe first and second adjacent main runner, respectively.

It should be noted that within the context of this application the term“electric voltage” may be any type of electric voltage. Hence, theelectric voltage may come in any form such as a direct voltage, analternating voltage, a modulated voltage or an intermittent voltage tomention a few non-limiting examples.

The electric device comprises connectors being in electric contact withsaid at least one main runner and the associated first or secondadjacent main runner such that the electric device is powered by theapplied electric voltage. In this way the electric device is powered bythe voltage applied between the at least one main runner and the firstand second adjacent main runner, respectively. Hence, the power sourcewill power the electric device by feeding power through the at least oneelectrically conductive main runner and the first and second adjacentelectrically conductive main runner, respectively.

It should be noted that within the context of this application the term“connectors” may be any type of connectors capable of providing anelectrical contact between the electrical device and its associated mainrunners. The connectors may protrude directly from the electric deviceor may be arranged at a conductive element such as a wire or bar. Theconnectors may be partially recessed in the electrical device. Theconnectors may be spring loaded in order to provide a reliable electriccontact.

This arrangement allows for that no additional wirings are needed sincethe main runners made of an electrically conductive material are usedfor providing a voltage to the electric device and consequently forproviding energy to power the electric device.

This arrangement allows for an excellent flexibility where electricdevices may be positioned freely between the main runners.

Moreover, the arrangement allows for that electric devices may bepositioned at all locations of a suspended ceiling, at not just indedicated locations.

The supporting structure may further comprise cross runnersinterconnecting the plurality of main runners extending side by side. Byutilizing cross runners interconnecting the plurality of main runnersthe main runners may be stabilized and less prone to run in a curvedfashion. Moreover, the cross runners may assist in supporting theelectrical device and any other objects forming the ceiling, such asceiling tiles.

The cross runners may be made of an electrically insulating material.

The cross runners may be made of an electrically conductive material. Ifthe cross runners are made of an electrically conducive material, thecross runners may be electrically insulated with respect to the mainrunners in order to prevent short circuit between adjacent main runnersof different polarities. The cross runners may be electrically insulatedwith respect to the main runners at one end or at both ends thereof.

The cross runners may be attached directly to the main runners as isknown in the art. Some cross runners may be attached to a wall oranother vertical object, e.g. when the suspended ceiling connects to awall or a column. Those runners may also be referred to as edge profilesor edge runners.

The ceiling system may further comprise a set of carrier profilesoverlying and supporting the main runners, wherein each carrier profilesupports at least two main runners. By this arrangement the number offixing or attachment points to a structural ceiling may be significantlyreduced while allowing for desired distances between the main runners.

The carrier profiles may be arranged orthogonally with respect to themain runners.

The carrier profiles may be arranged at an oblique angle with respect tothe main runners.

The electric voltage may be a direct voltage.

The electric voltage may be less than or equal to 120 volts, which isadvantageous in that a safe system fulfilling certain legislativerequirements may be realized. By keeping the electric voltage below orequal to 120 volts, the voltage may be classified as a safety extra lowvoltage, SELV.

The electric voltage may be less than or equal to 60 volts, which isadvantageous in that a safe system requiring no contact safety devicesmay be realized.

The power source may be configured to supply a maximum power of 500 VA,which is advantageous in that a safe system fulfilling certainlegislative requirements may be realized.

The power source may be configured to supply a maximum power of 200 VA,which is advantageous in that a safe system requiring no contact safetydevices may be realized.

The system may further comprise a control unit configured to transmit acontrol signal indicative of a desired power level of the electricdevice, which is advantageous in that the power level of the electricdevice may be set to a certain desires level.

The control unit may be a separate unit.

The control unit may be integrated in the power source.

The control unit may be used to control a plurality of electric devices.The plurality of electric devices may be controlled simultaneously usingthe same control signal. The plurality of electric devices may becontrolled individually using dedicated control signals. The controlsignal may for this purpose include an identifier or address partidentifying a certain electric device to be controlled.

The control unit may be used to control the power source or a pluralityof power sources, thereby indirectly controlling the electric device ora plurality of electric devices.

The wording “control signal” may mean any type of signal carryinginformation pertaining to a desired power level of the electric device.The control signal may consequently have any format capable of carryingsaid information.

The control signal may be an analog signal and/or a digital signal.

The control signal may be transmitted in a wire or a plurality of wires.

The control signal may be transmitted wirelessly.

The control signal may be realized by the modulating the voltagesupplied by the power source. In other words, the control signal may becontained in the voltage supplied by the power source.

The electric device may comprise a first receiver unit configured toreceive the control signal transmitted by the control unit and to setthe power level of the electric device to the desired power level. Bythis arrangement, e.g. a light intensity of a light or a sound intensityof a loud speaker may be set to a desired level.

The voltage supplied to the electric device by being applied between theat least one main runner and the first and second adjacent main runnermay consequently be kept constant and/or maintained at specific levelirrespective of the set power level of the electric device. This becausethe electric device itself may be configured to set a desired powerlevel based on a received control signal.

The power source may comprise a second receiver unit configured toreceive the control signal transmitted by the control unit and to setthe electric voltage applied between the at least one main runner andthe first and second adjacent main runner, respectively, such that thedesired power level is set at the electric device. By this arrangement,the power level of the electric device or a plurality of electricdevices may be set by adjusting the voltage applied between the mainrunners.

The electric device may be further supported by at least one crossrunner interconnecting the at least one main runner and the first orsecond adjacent main runner, and comprising a further connector being inelectric contact with said at least one cross runner, and wherein thecontrol signal may be transmitted to the first receiver unit via the atleast one cross runner and the further connector. By this arrangementthe cross runner or a plurality of cross runners may be used assignaling infrastructure for the control signal meaning that noadditional wirings or cables will have to be used for conveying thecontrol signal.

A plurality of cross runners may thus be electrically connected to eachother so as to form a common signaling infrastructure capable ofreaching a plurality of electric devices. Correspondingly, a pluralityof cross runners electrically connected to each other may form a commonsignaling infrastructure capable of reaching electric devices located ata distance from the control unit. In other words, the control signal maybe sent through a plurality of cross runners together acting as a signalcable or wire.

Further, by connecting a plurality of cross runners electrically to eachother a more robust system with redundant paths for the control signalmay be achieved. In other words, the control signal may travel from thecontrol unit to the first receiver through different paths formed by thecross runners.

The system may further comprise a ceiling tile supported by said atleast one main runner and the first or second adjacent main runner, andarranged in the first or second space formed there between, which isadvantageous in that a complete suspended ceiling including an electricdevice may be realized.

The electric device and the ceiling tile may be integrated in a tileunit, which is advantageous in that electric devices and ceiling tilesmay be combined freely to achieve a desired suspended ceiling. Forinstance, lights, loudspeakers, fire detectors, presence detectors orsimilar may be integrated in ceiling tiles.

The electric device may be at least one of a light source, aloudspeaker, a sensor, a ventilation unit, a Wi-Fi access point, adisplay, a fan, an emergency light source, a camera and a power supply.

The system may comprise a first further electric device supported bysaid at least one main runner and the first or second adjacent mainrunner, and arranged in the first or second space formed there between.

The system may comprise a further power source, arranged to apply anelectric voltage between a further one of the plurality of main runnersand thereto associated first and second adjacent main runners,respectively, and a second further electric device supported by saidfurther one main runner and an associated first or second adjacent mainrunner, and arranged in a first or second associated space, the secondfurther electric device comprising connectors being in electric contactwith said further one main runner and the associated first or secondadjacent main runner such that the second further electric device ispowered by the applied electric voltage of the further power source.

By this arrangement, a ceiling may be divided into a plurality ofdifferent zones or modules including main runners being fed by differentpower sources. A plurality of advantages may be derived from thisarrangement. A relatively speaking large ceiling including a largenumber of electric devices may be provided in a safe manner, where eachand every zone may have a limited maximum power. The maximum power foreach zone may for instance be kept below 200 VA, which is advantageousin that a safe system requiring no contact safety devices may berealized.

Further, a more robust system may be achieved. In case of malfunction offor instance a power source, only one zone may be affected. This meansthat a room being illuminated by electric devices in form of lightsprovided in different zones may not turn completely dark if a powersource is failing, since light in other zones will still function.Similar advantages may of course be derived for other types of electricdevices.

The zones or modules including main runners being fed by different powersources may be arranged arbitrary with respect to each other. Forinstance, different zones may be arranged consecutively after each otheror side by side. Moreover, the zones may be arranged in a matrix likefashion where different zones are arranged consecutively after eachother and side by side. When the zones are arranged consecutively aftereach other, the same main runners may run along more than one zone. Inthis case the main runner will be electrically interrupted between thedifferent zones.

Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention willbecome apparent when studying the appended claims and the followingdescription. The skilled person will realize that different features ofthe present invention may be combined to create embodiments other thanthose described in the following, without departing from the scope ofthe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The aspects of the invention, including its particular features andadvantages, will be readily understood from the following detaileddescription and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 conceptually illustrates a ceiling system.

FIG. 2 is a simplified view of the system in FIG. 1 additionallyincluding carrier profiles.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a layout of a ceiling system includinga plurality of power sources and zones.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodimentsof the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided forthoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of theinvention to the skilled person. Like reference numerals refer to likeelements throughout the description.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view conceptually depicting a ceilingsystem 100. The ceiling system 100 is in form of a suspended ceilingsystem 100. The ceiling system 100 comprises a supporting structure 102.The supporting structure 102 comprises a plurality of main runners 104a-c extending side by side. For reasons of simplicity there are threemain runners 104 a-c illustrated in FIG. 1. In addition, two mainrunners 104 d-e are shown in phantom to indicate that the ceiling system100 may include any number of main runners 104 a-e extending side byside. The ceiling system 100 may thus be used to form a suspendedceiling of an arbitrary size.

The main runners 104 a-e are made of an electrically conductivematerial. The main runners 104 a-e may for example be made of steel oraluminum.

The main runner 104 b has a first adjacent main runner in form of mainrunner 104 a arranged on a first side and a second adjacent main runnerin the form of main runner 104 c arranged on a second side thereof. Bythis arrangement a first space 106 is formed between the main runner 104b and the first adjacent main runner 104 a. Correspondingly, a secondspace 108 is formed between the main runner 104 b and the secondadjacent main runner 104 c.

In the same way, corresponding spaces 110 are formed between mainrunners 104 a and 104 d and between main runners 104 c and 104 erespectively.

In the depicted ceiling system 100, the supporting structure 102 furtherincludes cross runners 105. The cross runners 105 are optional and mayor may not be present in the supporting structure 102. The depictedcross runners 105 are interconnecting the plurality of main runners 104a-e extending side by side, i.e. the cross runners 105 are attached tothe respective main runners 104 a-e. The length of the cross runners 105is typically about the distance between two adjacent main runners.However, the cross runners may be arranged an oblique angle with respectto the main runners 104 a-e. In this case the length of the crossrunners 105 are typically adapted so as to interconnect adjacent mainrunners irrespective of the oblique angle. Some cross runners 105 areshown in phantom.

In the depicted ceiling system 100, two electrical devices 110, 112 arearranged in the first space 106 and the second space 108 respectively.The electric device 110 is supported by the main runners 104 a, 104 b,whereas the electric device 112 is supported by the main runners 104 b,104 c. The electric devices 110, 112 are arranged adjacent to crossrunners 105. As previously described, the cross runners 105 areoptional. The cross runners 105 may or may not be used to support theelectric devices 110, 112.

The depicted electric device 112 is a lighting arrangement including aplurality of light sources used to illuminate a room located below thesuspended ceiling formed by the ceiling system 100.

The depicted electric device 110 is a lighting arrangement including asingle light source used to illuminate a room located below thesuspended ceiling formed by the system 100.

A power source 114 is connected to the main runners 104 a-c in order tosupply a voltage V between respective adjacent main runners. In thedepicted ceiling system 100 main runner 104 b is connected to a positiveterminal of the power source 114, whereas main runners 104 a, 104 b areconnected to a negative terminal of the power source 114. The depictedpower source 114 provides a direct voltage V. In this way an electricvoltage V is applied between the main runners 104 a and 104 b.Correspondingly, an electric voltage V is applied between the mainrunners 104 b and 104 c.

Other types of voltages V than a direct voltage may be used. Forinstance, an alternating voltage V may be used.

The electric devices 110, 112 are provided with connectors 116, 118. Theconnectors 116 of the electrical devices 110, 112 are in electricalcontact with the main runner 104 b. The connector 118 of electricaldevice 110 is in electrical contact with the main runner 104 a. Theconnector 118 of electrical device 112 is in electrical contact with themain runner 104 c. In this way, the electrical device 110 may be poweredby the electric voltage V applied between the main runners 104 a and 104b whereas the electrical device 112 may be powered by the electricvoltage V applied between the main runners 104 b and 104 c.

In order to control a power level of the electric devices 110, 112, theelectric voltage V applied between the main runners 104 a-c may becontrolled. In case of a direct voltage V, the voltage V may beincreased or decreased in order to control a power level of the electricdevices. The voltage V may further be modulated or chopped in order tocontrol a power level of the electric devices 110, 112. As is known inthe art, the voltage V of the power source 114 may be controlled in anumber of ways.

By controlling the voltage V of the power source 114 applied between themain runners 104 a-c all electric devices 110, 112 supported by the mainrunners 104 a-c are typically controlled simultaneously in response tocontrolling the voltage V.

The electric devices 110, 112 may however be controlled individuallyutilizing different strategies. This will be described in greater detailbelow.

The depicted ceiling system 100 also includes a ceiling tile 120arranged in the first space 106 adjacent to the electric device 110. Asingle ceiling tile 120 is depicted for reasons of simplicity althoughany number of ceiling tiles 120 may be used with the ceiling system 100.

The depicted ceiling system 100 also includes a tile unit 122 arrangedin the first space 106 adjacent to the electric device 110. The tileunit 122 is formed of a ceiling tile 120 a which is integrated with anelectric device 110 a. The electric device 110 a is electricallyconnected to the main runners 104 a, 104 b by means of connectors 116 a,118 a extending from the electric device 110 a to the respective mainrunners 104 a, 104 b. A single tile unit 122 is depicted for reasons ofsimplicity although any number of tile units 122 may be used with theceiling system 100.

The maximum voltage V and maximum power supplied by the power source 114may be limited in order to adhere to different safety regulations.Examples of relevant safety regulations include ELV, SELV, PELV, andFELV to give a few relevant examples. Examples of relevant maximumvoltages include 120, 60 and 50 volts. However, any voltage may be usedin practice. Examples of relevant maximum powers include 500 and 200 VA.However, any power may be used in practice.

The ceiling system 100 may also include additional entities forfacilitating controlling of the power level of the electric devices 110,110 a, 112 and for controlling the power level of the electric devices110, 110 a, 112 individually or in groups including a plurality ofelectric devices 110, 110 a, 112.

The ceiling system 100 may include a control unit 124 configured totransmit a control signal S indicative of a desired power level of anelectric device 110, 110 a, 112 or indicative of a desired power levelof a plurality of electric devices 110, 110 a, 112. The control unit 124may be located at different locations in relation to the other entitiesor components of the ceiling system 100. The control unit 124 may belocated in proximity to the power source 114. The control unit 124 maybe located in the room in which the ceiling system 100 is used. Thecontrol unit 124 may be located in another room than the one in whichthe ceiling system 100 is used. The control unit 124 may be integratedin the power source 114. The control unit 124 may be or form part of anexternal control panel.

The control signal S may as exemplified in FIG. 1 be configured to betransmitted using a wire or may be transmitted wirelessly. The controlsignal may be transmitted using any suitable format.

The control signal S may instance adhere to the DALI (DigitalAddressable Lighting Interface) standard which is a standardized digitalprotocol for light control. The control signal may be a 0-10 analog DCsignal where 10 V typically corresponds to a light intensity or powerlevel of 100% whereas 0 V corresponds to a light intensity or powerlevel of 0%. The control signal S may be transmitted using astandardized 433 MHz wireless protocol. The control signal S may betransmitted using a Z-Wave protocol supporting two-way communication andmesh network architecture.

The depicted power source 114 of FIG. 1 comprises a receiver unit 128 orsecond receiver unit 128 configured to receive the control signal Stransmitted by the control unit 124. The control signal S may thus bereceived at the power source 114 by the second receiver unit 128,whereby the power source 114 in response to receiving the control signalS may set the electric voltage applied between the main runner 104 b andthe first adjacent main runner 104 a and second adjacent main runner 104c, respectively. In this way the desired power level is set at theelectric devices 110, 110 a, 112.

More specifically, by controlling the voltage between the main runners104 a and 104 b the power level of the electric devices 110 and 110 amay be set. Correspondingly, by controlling the voltage between the mainrunners 104 b and 104 c the power level of the electric device 112 maybe set. In this way the power level of a plurality of electric devices110, 110 a, 112 may be set simultaneously in response to a singlecontrol signal.

In order to control a single electric device 110, 110 a, 112 differentstrategies may be employed as will be described in greater detail below.

The depicted electric device 110 comprises an optional receiver unit 126or first receiver unit 126 configured to receive the control signal Stransmitted by the control unit 124. The first receiver unit 126 isconfigured to set the power level of the electric device 110 to adesired power level in response to receiving the control signal S.

In the depicted system 100 of FIG. 1 the first receiver unit 126 isconfigured to receive the control signal in form of a wireless signal.Alternatively, or in addition the first receiver unit 126 may beconfigured to receive the control signal S through the connectors 116,118. The control signal S may in this case be transmitted in the mainrunners 104 a-e, using the main runners 104 a-e as a signalinginfrastructure. The voltage applied between respective adjacent mainrunners may for instance be modulated so as to carry the control signalS.

As an alternative to using the main runners 104 a-e as a signalinginfrastructure is to use the cross runners 105 as a signalinginfrastructure for the control signal S. This optional principle is alsoschematically depicted in FIG. 1 where electric device 110 in additionto being supported by the main runners 104 a, 104 b is also supported bytwo cross runners 105. The cross runners are interconnecting the mainrunners 104 a, 104 b as depicted in FIG. 1. The electric device 110 isthus employed with an optional further connector 130 being in electriccontact with one of the cross runners 105 supporting the electric device110. By this arrangement, the control signal S may consequently betransmitted to the first receiver unit 126 via the cross runners 105 andthe further connector 130.

When controlling the power level of an individual electric device 110,such as electric device 110, comprising a first receiver unit 126 usedin a system 100 including a plurality of electric devices 110, 110 a,112. The voltage between respective adjacent main runners, such as mainrunners 104 a and 104 b and main runners 104 b and 104 c, is preferablykept constant and the power level of the electric device 110 beingcontrolled is preferably controlled or adjusted internally in theelectric device 110 being controlled. There are numerous of principlesthat may be employed to control a power level of an electric device asis known in the art.

The power source 114 may be configured to monitor an actual powerconsumption of the electric devices 110, 110 a, 112 being powered by thepower source 114. The actual power consumption may be compared with anexpected power consumption which for instance may be estimated based onthe control signal S and the number and type of electric devices 110,110 a, 112 being powered by the power source 114. The power source maybe configured to reduce or cut the voltage V being applied between therespective adjacent main runners, such as main runners 104 a and 104 band main runners 104 b and 104 c, in case the actual power consumptiondeviates from the expected power consumption. In this way, defectelectric devices 110, 110 a, 112 may be spared from further damages.Also the risk of fire emanating from e.g. a short circuit may bereduced.

In practice, some deviations from the expected power consumption may betolerated by the power source 114 without reducing or cutting thevoltage V being applied between the respective adjacent main runners,such as main runners 104 a and 104 b and main runners 104 b and 104 c.In this way variations of the power consumption may be allowed within acertain interval without affecting the overall operation of the system100. For instance, predetermined positive offset of the expected powerconsumption may be tolerated without reducing or cutting the voltage V.

The power source 114 may be specifically configured to monitor shortcircuits in the system 100. The power source 114 may in response to adetected short circuit in the system 100 sound or transmit an alarm. Ashort circuit between main runners 104 a and 104 b and main runners 104b and 104 c may typically be detected. A short circuit may originatefrom a wrongfully mounted cross runner 105 or from a defect cross runner105 void of sufficient insulation in respect to the main runners 104a-e.

It is thus possible to during installation of the system 100 to avoid orreduce the risk of defect or wrongfully mounted cross runners 105, byfirst mounting the main runners 104 a-e and thereafter apply the voltageV between the main runners 104 a-e. During a subsequent mounting ofcross runners 105 between the main runners 104 a-e, the power supply 114may monitor and transmit an alarm if a short circuit occurs.

Above, the ceiling system 100 has been described in a general manner forreasons of simplicity, the ceiling system 100 has mainly been describedso as to include electric devices 110, 112, 110 a in form of lightsources. As is evident, the described ceiling system 100 may equallywell be used with other electric devices such as loudspeakers, sensors,ventilation units, Wi-Fi access points, displays, fans, emergency lightsources, cameras and power supplies to give a few relevant examples. Inother words, other types of electric devices 110, 110 a, 112 may equallywell be powered by the voltage V applied by the power source 114 betweenthe main runners 104 a and 104 b. Correspondingly, other types ofelectric devices 110, 110 a, 112 may equally well be powered by thevoltage V applied by the power source 114 between the main runners 104 band 104 c. By powering a power supply by the voltage V applied by thepower source 114 between the main runners 104 a and 104 b or by thevoltage V applied by the power source 114 between the main runners 104 band 104 c, a voltage different form the voltage V may be realized in thesystem. It is thus possible to power electric devices requiringdifferent voltages simultaneously be the system 100. Further, if anadjustable power supply is powered by the voltage V, a plurality offdifferent voltages different from the voltage V may be realized in thesystem 100.

Now referring to FIG. 2. Here the system 100 of FIG. 1 is illustrated ina simplified manner. As previously described, the system 100 includes aplurality of main runners 104 a-d. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the mainrunners 104 a-d may be supported by a set of carrier profiles 132. Thedepicted carrier profiles 132 overlies and supports the main runners 104a-d. As is shown in FIG. 2, the carrier profiles 132 overlies andsupports all five main runners 104 a-d of FIG. 2. However, the carrierprofiles 132 may overlie and support any number of main profiles 104a-d. Moreover, different carrier profiles 132 may overlie differentnumber of main runners 104 a-d.

In case the carrier profiles 132 are made of an electrically conducivematerial, the carrier profiles 132 are preferably electrically insulatedwith respect to the main runners 104 a-d in order to prevent shortcircuit between adjacent main runners 104 a-d of different polarities.In practice, the carrier profiles 132 may in certain cases beelectrically insulted with respect to main runners 104 a-d having acertain polarity. The electrical insulation between the carrier profiles132 and the main runners 104 a-d may for instance be achieved byproviding a sheet of an insulating material between the carrier profiles132 and the main runners 104 a-d at locations where the carrier profiles132 and the main runners 104 a-d overlap. By utilizing carrier profiles132 overlying and supporting the main runners 104 a-d the number ofsuspension points or attachment points to for instance a structuralceiling may be significantly reduced.

Now referring to FIG. 3, here is conceptually depicted a ceiling system100 being similar to the ceiling system depicted in FIG. 1. Thedescription of the ceiling system 100 of FIG. 1 is equally applicable tothe ceiling system 100 depicted in FIG. 3, why only relevant differencesbetween the respective ceiling systems 100 will be described below inorder to avoid undue repetition.

The ceiling system 100 of FIG. 3 comprises a further power source 114′apart from a single power source 114 as described and depicted inconjunction with FIG. 1. More specifically, the ceiling system 100 ofFIG. 3 is employed with two power sources, namely the power sources 114and 114′. Similarly, to what has been described in conjunction with FIG.1 above, the power source 114 is arranged to apply an electric voltage Vbetween respective adjacent main runners 104 a-c. More specifically, anelectric voltage V is applied between the main runners 104 a and 104 bby power source 114. Correspondingly, an electric voltage V is appliedbetween the main runners 104 b and 104 c by power source 114.

In the same fashion, the further power source 114′ is arranged to applyan electric voltage V′ between respective adjacent main runners 104a′-c′. More specifically, an electric voltage V′ is applied between themain runners 104 a′ and 104 b′ by power source 114′. Correspondingly, anelectric voltage V′ is applied between the main runners 104 b′ and 104c′ by power source 114′.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the polarity of the respective power sources114, 114′ are reversed, which brings about that each and every mainrunner 104 a-c, 104 a′-c′ will have an opposite polarity compared to itsadjacent main runners 104 a-c, 104 a′-c′. In other words, an electricvoltage V, V′ will be applied between each and every pair of adjacentmain runners 104 a-c, 104 a′-c′ forming the spaces 106, 108, 109, 106′,108′. This is further indicated by the + and − signs provided in FIG. 3.

Alternatively, the polarity of the respective power sources 114, 114′may not be reversed, i.e. the polarities may be equal for the powersources 114, 114′. In this case the main runners 104 a and 104 c′forming the space 109 will have the same polarity in practice bringingabout that no voltage is applied between the main runners 104 a and 104c′. The space 109 may however advantageously be used for receivingconventional ceiling tiles 120.

In the depicted system 100 of FIG. 3, an electric device 112′ issupported by the main runner 104 b′ and 104 c′ and consequently arrangedin the space 106′. Like the electric device 110, described in detail inconjunction with FIG. 1, the electric device 112′ is provided withconnectors 116′, 118′. The connector 116′ of the electrical device 112′is in electrical contact with the main runner 104 c′. The connector 118′of electrical device 112′ is in electrical contact with the main runner104 c′. In this way, the electrical device 112′ may be powered by theelectric voltage V′ applied by the power source 114′ between the mainrunners 104 b′ and 104 c′.

The electrical device 112′ may be controlled as described above inconjunction with FIG. 1. How the electrical device 112′ may becontrolled will consequently not be described in order to avoid unduerepetition.

Power source 114′ may be arranged to power further electric devicesarranged in the spaces 106′ and 108′.

The system 100 may include further power sources apart from one or twopower sources as described above. If further power sources areintroduced, further main runners are also introduced correspondingly. Inother words, a power source and the main runners connected thereto maybe said to form a zone or a module capable of powering a plurality ofelectric devices. Such zones or modules may for instance be arrangedside bay side as depicted in FIG. 3 or may be arranged one after anotheralong a common direction. In the latter case, the main runners of therespective modules may extend along a common direction and may coincidealong common geometric lines. The main runners of the respective modulesare may then typically discontinued so as to be electrically separatedalthough extending along a common line or lines.

Respective modules or zones of a ceiling system may extend side by sideand/or one after another.

Additionally, even though the invention has been described withreference to specific exemplifying embodiments thereof, many differentalterations, modifications and the like will become apparent for thoseskilled in the art.

Thus, variations to the disclosed embodiments may be understood andeffected by the skilled addressee in practicing the claimed invention,from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.Furthermore, in the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude otherelements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does notexclude a plurality.

1-15. (canceled)
 16. A ceiling system comprising: a supporting structurecomprising a plurality of main runners made of an electricallyconductive material and extending side by side, wherein at least one ofthe plurality of main runners has a first adjacent main runner arrangedon a first side and a second adjacent main runner arranged on a secondside such that a first space is formed between the at least one mainrunner and the first adjacent main runner and a second space is formedbetween the at least one main runner and the second adjacent mainrunner, an electric device supported by said at least one main runnerand the first or second adjacent main runner, and arranged in the firstor second space formed there between; and a power source arranged toapply an electric voltage between the at least one main runner and thefirst and second adjacent main runner, respectively, wherein theelectric device comprises connectors being in electric contact with saidat least one main runner and the associated first or second adjacentmain runner such that the electric device is powered by the appliedelectric voltage.
 17. The system according to claim 16, wherein thesupporting structure further comprises cross runners interconnecting theplurality of main runners extending side by side.
 18. The systemaccording to claim 16, further comprising a set of carrier profilesoverlying and supporting the main runners, wherein each carrier profilesupports at least two main runners.
 19. The system according to claim16, wherein the electric voltage is a direct voltage.
 20. The systemaccording to claim 16, wherein the electric voltage is less than orequal to 120 volts.
 21. The system according to claim 16, wherein thepower source is configured to supply a maximum power of 500 VA.
 22. Thesystem according to claim 16, further comprising a control unitconfigured to transmit a control signal indicative of a desired powerlevel of the electric device.
 23. The system according to claim 22,wherein the electric device comprises a first receiver unit configuredto receive the control signal transmitted by the control unit and to setthe power level of the electric device to the desired power level. 24.The system according to claim 22, wherein the power source comprises asecond receiver unit configured to receive the control signaltransmitted by the control unit and to set the electric voltage appliedbetween the at least one main runner and the first and second adjacentmain runner, respectively, such that the desired power level is set atthe electric device.
 25. The system according to claim 23, wherein theelectric device is further supported by at least one cross runnerinterconnecting the at least one main runner and the first or secondadjacent main runner, and comprises a further connector being inelectric contact with said at least one cross runner, and wherein thecontrol signal is transmitted to the first receiver unit via the atleast one cross runner and the further connector.
 26. The systemaccording to claim 16, further comprising a ceiling tile supported bysaid at least one main runner and the first or second adjacent mainrunner, and arranged in the first or second space formed there between.27. The system according to claim 26, wherein the electric device andthe ceiling tile are integrated in a tile unit.
 28. The system accordingto claim 16, wherein the electric device is at least one of a lightsource, a loudspeaker, a sensor, a ventilation unit, a Wi-Fi accesspoint, a display, a fan, an emergency light source, a camera and a powersupply.
 29. The system according to claim 16, further comprising a firstfurther electric device supported by said at least one main runner andthe first or second adjacent main runner, and arranged in the first orsecond space formed there between.
 30. The system according to claim 16,further comprising a further power source arranged to apply an electricvoltage between a further one of the plurality of main runners andthereto associated first and second adjacent main runners, respectively,and a second further electric device supported by said further one mainrunner and an associated first or second adjacent main runner, andarranged in a first or second associated, the second further electricdevice comprising connectors being in electric contact with said furtherone main runner and the associated first or second adjacent main runnersuch that the second further electric device is powered by the appliedelectric voltage of the further power source.